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Let me support you in finding enough courage to become really turned on and excited again about your job search. Do you know that the first fatality in a job loss is the person’s confidence; and in order for him or her to move forward, that confidence must be regained as soon as possible? It doesn’t matter which direction they take to rebuild that confidence, but if they are going to get through that period of unemployment, they must “choose to go on”, even if it is one foot at a time.

You know, in our day-to-day lives, the virtue of courage doesn’t receive much attention, unless you are a “soldier”, “fire fighter”, “police officer”, “activist” or modern day hero. For some reason, each time I gave “courage” some thought, I always somehow related it to the classical movie, the Wizard of Oz, and that “cowardly lion”. I don’t know what that is all about, but, we all know how that story ends. The lion travels with Dorothy to Oz, and after much trial and tribulation, he finally gets his courage; and I presume lives happily ever after. I am not here to scrutinize nor interpret that all “time classic”, nor my personal associations. But I do have a few questions that I want us to ask? What’s your feelings, on a scale from 1-10 about how comfortable you are for asking for what you want, or speaking up when something feels off.

1. Do you think job seekers need courage?
2 Consider what happens at interviews. Do you speak up?
3. Do you feel comfortable making cold calls to companies
you want to work for?
4. Consider your friends and family, do you speak up when you
like to see something different. Or do you just try and deal
with it behind the scenes.

Any career transition creates discomfort. If you are reading this blog, perhaps you are one of the 13 million Americans who lost their jobs during this recession nightmare. People like you and I are being forced to take decisive action about our future work and finances. I don’t know about you, but I know that fear, I lived it, because I had neither safety net, nor backup plan when I lost my contracts. I had only two choices. Number 1, to find the courage to do something I had never done before, and number 2, let fear control my life. The latter was not an option, because I am feisty and independent. Courage is what separates people who succeed from those who don’t. Did you hear me; I believe that courage is what separates people who succeed from those who don’t. Day in and day out, the average job seeker has many opportunities to ask for what they want, some do, and sadly, many never do. But this is real work.

For example, you are out and you see a family friend who works for XXX Company. You say hi, and keep going on your way; instead of sharing your “elevator pitch” about what you’ve been doing while laid off, because you feel you may come off too pushy or needy.

For those of you who don’t know what an elevator pitch or speech is, it is a short summary that quickly defines you, your profession, and your value proposition. Another opportunity lost.

You were emailed some job leads and you’ve check the requirements for the position. You have all the experience and more to apply for the job, but because you don’t have a degree. You delete the email. Maybe there is something else in the company that you qualify to do, that doesn’t require a “degree”.

You had three fabulous interviews for a job that was perfect for you. And now it has been over two weeks and you haven’t heard a word from that company. You check your email each day, you run to the mail box, nothing, so you do nothing but sit and wait.

This is my new favorite; you get a general reply email from a job board resume submission. You sit and wait, and wait for an invitation to interview.

Instead of speaking up in all those examples, you remain quiet. Why job seeker? I have the answer. I’ve learned that not only you job seeker, but unfortunately most people don’t speak up because they are afraid of rejection.

Whatever it is, the fear of someone saying “no” to you is so strong, that you are not willing to speak up and ask for what you want. Why, because the fear of rejection is more painful than taking a risk to ask.

Did you know that all my clients with a high “career frequency” are always willing to ask for what they want, and use their voice when they think a situation could be improved?

No matter how small or big and idea they have a willingness to simply ask for what they want or request a change to make things better, and that’s where I want you to be.

I want you to make new conscious choices that will lead to a better job. Here are some practical and spiritual steps you can follow: First, you must trust yourself to succeed. Trust, let go, and courage are tied together at the waist, one begets the next. If you plan to take back the reigns of your life, you have to cultivate the energy to change things. If you trust that there is a guiding essence in your life or that there is a power greater than you, and that you are also a part of it, and that it wants the best for you, let go into that power and allow it to carry you forward. Know that you have your smarts, instinct and talent on your side. Plus, your friends and family are there for you. Number two: Exercise your courage. Your courage can be compared to a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger your courage gets. Third: Take accountability for your failure. I head this recently and it just made so much sense. You must being willing to take 100% responsibility for all that happens in your life. It doesn’t mean you are a push over, or an escape goat for another, just own up to your part in all that happens to you. This takes courage and shows that you’re a true leader. Fourth: Know that giving up is not an option. It takes courage to persist. It’s much easier to give up. Being persistent despite discouragement takes great courage. Fifth: Fight to overcome your fear. Courageous people may still be afraid, but the difference is that they conquer their fear. They don’t let it hold them back. Instead, they use it as a reminder of what they can lose if they don’t persist. Six: Act on your ideas. It takes courage to put your faith in yourself. The worst decision you can make is to do nothing. Take risks and know that you can succeed.

As always my best regards!

P. S.

Follow the link and listen to the archived Resume Energy Show. The first Resume Energy showed debuted, Monday, February 18, 2013. The shows are on “live” on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard time. Please follow the show and call her on that day at 347-826-7596 and join in!